York Historic Environment Record

A desk-based archaeological and heritage assessment has been compiled by York Archaeological Trust concerning York Station, Queen Street and the surrounding area. The site is located to the southwest of the historic city core, just outside the city walls. Archaeological interventions in the area of York Railway Station and Queen Street demonstrate the potential survival of archaeological deposits to a depth of 1.90m below ground level. It is likely that works will encounter medieval and post-medieval deposits along the length of Queen Street. Significant deposits of Roman date are possible close to York Station and Blossom Street, where previous investigations have revealed evidence of Roman roads and cemeteries. These deposits may be as little as 0.80m below ground level. The buildings and structures assessed span the years of development that occurred during the development of the railway in York from 1839 up until the middle of the 20th century when improvements and changes were ongoing. The station was designed by the North Eastern Railway architects Thomas Prosser and William Peachey and was opened on 25 June 1877. At the time of its construction it was the largest in the world. Another important focus for the project is the Queen Street Bridge, which occupies an important space within the potential development. Other buildings to be potentially affected by the development include; the Railway Institute, The Railway Institute Gymnasium and Rifle Range, the Grade II listed water tower and workshops and several large areas of car parks and vacant former warehouses.